STRENGTH IN NUMBERS
nizations or societies ( e . g ., KMA ) allow physicians to focus on the practice of medicine at the bedside while partnering with policy experts , practice management consultants , advocates and legal advisors to take care of these other aspects on their behalf .
Nearly half of physicians today have reported feelings of burnout , some to the point that they would not recommend a career in medicine . Commonly , we feel overwhelmed by the demands of the time-suck of electronic medical records . In primary care , the myriad of ancillary forms ( for durable medical equipment , absences , travel , disability , etc .) irritate us and can foster a sense of loss of autonomy and power . Organized medicine can collectively represent physicians as one voice and advocate on their behalf to improve their work atmosphere and the quality of care delivered to their patients . By standing jointly , and being united in their goals and vision , providers can shape health care and reimbursement policy issues , quality metrics and best care practices to optimize the health of their patients . When done right , organized medicine helps prioritize the well-being of patients .
The diversity of perspectives and insight from diverse stakeholders in such organizations allows members to find a community that shares common goals , concerns and solutions to shared issues . Providers often share that the coordinated efforts in their organized medical societies are an important force in bringing about the desired changes they need and in moving the needle .
For organized medical societies to be successful in their mission , they must have a robust framework that is achievable and sustainable and galvanizes around the ideals and principles that embody why most physicians choose their profession , namely , to help and care for others in need . If medical societies work around these objectives and work hand-in-hand with providers to ensure that health is an endeavor meant for compassionate care and prevention and treatment of disease , especially among those who are most in need due to adverse social determinants of health , then it can get the buy-in of its members . On the other hand , when organized medicine doesn ’ t tread carefully , loses its focus and starts promoting unhealthy practices where financial incentives become the driving force , then it comes to be viewed as a detriment to society rather than a champion of society . Over the past decade , physician membership in organized medicine has fallen . Even though the AMA saw some rise in membership over the past five years in 2016 , its share had fallen compared to a few decades ago – specialty societies now comprise a major share of physician memberships . In 2016 , for example , 78 % of physicians were members of specialty societies whereas only 26 % were members of the AMA . Critiques of the AMA include potential conflicts of interest such as revenue-generating products like the CPT ( current procedural terminology ) system . When organized medical societies work with their member needs in the center , they tend to have good membership levels . The Texas Medical Association introduced a program in the 80s where physicians could log complaints about insurers and this information would then be used to lobby for sensible change . Such value-based propositions make membership attractive to physicians .
Advocating Together as A Unified Voice
When physicians unite together as a part of organized medicine to serve the needs of their patients , whether at the local , state or national level , they can have their voices heard and make differences in policy by cutting through the countervailing interests . As an example , virtually all providers and patients agree that prior authorization is an inefficient use of a provider ’ s time and wastes physician resources , prevents patients from getting necessary tests and treatment , and overall drives up costs for the health care system – yet insurance companies in their short-sightedness to save dollars for the duration that they cover their insured lives , try to kick the can down the road by denying care , hoping that when it comes time to cover the treatment , it will be another insurer ’ s problem . The only way to tackle these vested interests is via joining together and working with legislators to institute equitable and sensible health care reform .
Despite all the exciting innovations of current medicine , we continue to face economic downturns with health care resource availability and the exponentially rising cost of health care delivery . Many busy providers just don ’ t have the time to show up regularly for legislative briefings in their state capitol or Washington , D . C . However , they can still make an impact when they engage with their local and county medical societies , who then engage with local legislators on their behalf . All of us have the chance to donate to political action committees and attend meetings to help draft changes to health care laws . Speaking as a unified voice allows members to implement change for the benefit of their patients and their practices .
Being active in organized medicine allows trainees and more seasoned practitioners to understand the landscape and get the support they need to successfully navigate their careers and thrive . Such professional organizations offer a tight-knit and knowledgeable community of physicians whose mentorship and resources can allow newer physicians to use their experience and lessons to be successful in their own right . Many aspects of the practice of medicine are not covered adequately or at all during residency or fellowship : negotiations with insurers , billing and reimbursement , the politics of medicine , how to approach our legislators and dealing with pharmacy benefit managers and denials . We need to understand better the legal aspects of contracts , non-competes , malpractice mines and pitfalls . We should care about and help mold public health policy , insurance reform and scope of practice .
For all these resources as well as for continuing medical education , organized medical societies offer their members valuable tools to help with these other aspects that greatly impact the delivery of the care they provide . As long as physicians face the unique challenges and headwinds we deal with daily , there will be a role for organized medicine to help us help our patients . We share the same goals : the best care for patients at the best value while preserving provider morale , pride and happiness in their work .
Dr . Kalra is Chief of the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine and Professor of Medicine with UofL Health . He is also the Governor of the Kentucky chapter of the American College of Cardiology .
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